You have received a request for a 20-page proposal; it is 9 a.m. on Day 1. The proposal needs to be delivered at 9 a.m. on Day 3. 50 percent of the proposal will be completed using boilerplate. Approximately how much working time would you allow to plan before writing?

Allowing approximately 2 hours for planning before writing a proposal is an effective approach, especially given the complexity and the importance of ensuring that the proposal is well-structured and meets the requirements of the request.

In this case, since half of the proposal will be completed using boilerplate content, the remaining time should be spent on customizing that content and ensuring it aligns accurately with the specific needs of the client or project. The 2-hour planning period enables the team to gather necessary information, review the proposal requirements, and strategically outline key points that need to be addressed. It also allows for any necessary internal discussions to maximize the effectiveness of the proposal.

Effective planning at this stage contributes to a smoother writing process, reducing the likelihood of extensive revisions later on. It creates a clearer roadmap for the writing phase, ensuring that the proposal not only adheres to a structured format but also captures all essential elements required by the requester. This planning time enhances overall efficiency, ultimately contributing to the success of the proposal submission within the specified timeframe.